Columbus Blvd. To Close Briefly

Starting tonight, crews hired by Riverfront Recapture will begin installing steel columns and cables that will soar 54 feet above the new pedestrian bridge to the riverfront in downtown Hartford.

The structure will take on the look of a large schooner, and its design is meant to evoke the schooners that long ago docked along the riverfront at the foot of State Street. The superstructure, which will be lighted at night, will be ready in time for the Riverfest celebration, set for July 7 on Riverfront Plaza.

To do the work, crews will close Columbus Boulevard from State Street to Arch Street tonight at 7 p.m. That portion of the street, plus access to the riverfront and the pedestrian bridge, will remain closed until work is done on Sunday or Monday, Riverfront Recapture officials said.